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Parts relevant to this project PVC pipe (36" length) PVC pipe (14" length) Potatoes (1) PVC reducing fitting socket (1) aka reducer coupling or bell reducer PVC female adapter (1) PVC end plug (1) PVC primer and cement (1) Lexel sealant (1) or other clear latex or silicone sealant Hose clamp (2) Bolts (2) Stun gun (1) I bought mine from Cabelas (cabelas.com) for less than $20. Spade connectors (2) Hex nuts (4) Butt connectors (2) Insulated wire (2' length) Wire nuts (2) Aerosol spray (1) Containing hydrocarbons. I used Right Guard Unscented. Electrical Tape (1) Dowel (1)
The potato cannon, a.k.a. the spud gun, is a popular and very entertaining amateur science project. Its simple to make, and few devices offer such bang for the buck. You can use the Night Lighter both day and night, but when its dark, the clear PVC provides an excellent view of the interior ballistics. Also, the stun gun gives better performance than weaker sparks from piezoelectric or flint/steel igniters. Its fun both to fire and simply to watch in action. A basic spud gun can be built with plain, white PVC for less than $25. The Night Lighter 36 costs more, but I scrounged leftovers from plastics suppliers and built mine for less than $50. After mastering basic gun construction, the intrepid potato cannoneer may want to design and assemble more complex and artistic devices.
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Step 7
Cover bolt connections with globs of silicone sealant. To further insulate, wrap the whole ignition area with bubble wrap, and tape down. The stun gun operates at such high voltage that the wrap still may not completely prevent shocks. Avoid contacting electrodes when operating the cannon. Dont be the path of least resistance! Congratulations! Your Night Lighter 36 potato cannon is complete.
Maintenance
Aerosol chemicals can gum up the inside of the cannon. Every few shots, clean it out with a rag and cleaner. The residue can also make the end plug hard to unscrew. If necessary, use pliers.
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